"But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? In His hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind." – Job 12:7-10 (ESV)
Recently, while on a getaway to Estes Park with our twins, we noticed six large moose resting beneath a grove of trees not far from our hiking trail, their massive antlers alerting us to their presence. Another family saw them, too, and began taking pictures from a safe distance. But it was interesting to see the cars that simply flew by on the nearby roadway. Hadn't they noticed this once-in-a-lifetime sight? Were they too busy to stop? How could you not stop?
If you are captivated by the sight of a fuzzy, baby gosling...the sound of hummingbirds zooming for the feeder...or the sweet song of birds in early morning, then this blog is for you. If you stop in amazement at the slanting rays of sunlight in the midst of a deep woods...if you want to simply stare as baby robins-turned-fledglings leave the nest...if the wings of a bee or dragonfly grab your attention...if the trill of a frog in a pond makes you stop walking and look...if these things, and many more, make the world fall away for you, then you and I are very much alike, dear reader-friend. And we find it easy to believe in miracles, too.
By his example, my father taught my sister and me to appreciate nature from our earliest memories. He even pitched a tent in a wilderness and held a summer kids' camp where we were taken on hikes of all kinds. The ones that took place at night seemed to bring us closer to the sky, the stars, the hush of the forest creatures, and opened our hearts wide to our great Creator God.
This splendid month of June, I hope you'll make time to get away from the busyness of life to hear birdsong fill the air, to find beauty in a pristine meadow, to soak up the tranquility of a dense woods while small creatures scamper about, and most of all, to find a place to be alone with God in nature. It is the surest way to alleviate stress, I promise.
Happy Father's Day to all the dads, and a happy first month of summer to everyone else!
Beverly Lewis
"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." – Colossians 3:17
While stranded by a snowstorm in Grand Rapids, Michigan, following my recent spring book tour, I had time to reflect on the many remarkable moments the Lord gave me with my precious fans. To this day, their comments continue to encourage my writing hours.
Here are a few I’d like to share, in hopes that they will inspire your walk with God as well.
I’m remembering the parole officer who shared that my books speak light and hope into the darkness she must work in each day. I think too of the dear woman who carried The Road Home to her MRI appointment, where the curious technician read the first page and is now an avid reader of Bev Lewis books…and a close friend to the woman who had the appointment! One reader opened her heart to Christ after reading The Proving, so impressed by the fictional character’s choice to use her Amish B&B as a ministry—lingering at the breakfast table with her guests and leading many of them to the Savior.
And last, but certainly not least: the grateful grandmother whose little five-year-old grandson had suffered a brain injury and my children’s book, The Stinky Sneakers Mystery, (from the Cul-de-Sac Kids chapter book series) helped keep him absolutely still in bed for five hours straight (per the doctor’s orders). Now that is a first…and to God be all the glory!
Well, I’m beyond thankful for each person who came to the author events during the tour, and to the booksellers, sales reps, and Bethany House’s own amazing marketing team for making it all happen. A special shout out to my tour manager and publicity team—the best!
For those who are curious, I’m doing the edit for The First Love, as well as writing my April 2019 novel, set in Hickory Hollow with appearances from the beloved wise woman, Ella Mae Zook.
I’m praying your springtime is filled with God’s goodness and grace, and a sense of purpose for all that He has in store for you and your dear ones.
Until next time—blessings abundant!
Beverly Lewis
"Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and He will establish your plans." – Proverbs 16:3
As I anticipate my upcoming Spring 2018 Book Tour (for The Road Home), I am reminded that our lives are not our own when we belong to the Savior. His will, His purpose, is our deepest longing. We look to Him for daily guidance in everything we say and do...and plan.
My tour schedule can be seen here, and I request your prayers for divine appointments and His blessing on each person I meet along the way.
At this writing, I have completed revisions for my September novel, The First Love, with the prayer that God will miraculously touch each reader's heart with its compelling themes, as well.
And, as I reflect on what the Lord Jesus suffered for our redemption, the truth that our sins are forgiven is so powerful, so encouraging. To think that our lives can be victorious because of His death on that old rugged cross is a truth to cherish and to remember. Whatever we need—body, mind and spirit—is available through God's amazing grace!
A most blessed Easter, dear reader-friend!
Beverly Lewis
"God doesn't want us to be shy with His gifts, but bold and loving and sensible." – 2 Timothy 1:7
I've been thinking a lot about the gifts our Lord has given to us.
There are gifts of hospitality, compassion and kindness; gifts of art—music, drawing, sculpting, writing. And there are the spiritual gifts, too—discernment, teaching, leadership, healing, mercy, giving, exhortation, prophecy and so on.
I just completed the first draft of my September novel, The First Love, featuring a subplot regarding divine healing. Growing up, I witnessed the healing of many people when the elders of the church were called to anoint the sick with oil and pray, or when an evangelist prayed for the sick in revival meetings. I even saw these miracles during my father's summer tent meetings, as well as my dear mother's healing from terminal cancer when I was a girl. (My book, The Sunroom, chronicles her miraculous healing, from my childhood perspective.)
It's remarkable that we don't hear about this very much anymore here in America, but divine healings are happening in other parts of the world. We're not to be shy about following Scripture, right? So, when I promise to pray for my reader-friends who are in need of healing or encouragement, or other needs, I want to do so with boldness and in love, in faith believing, as the Bible teaches. Prayer is the greatest source in the universe, never forget.
Are we using our gifts for God's glory alone? Are we doing everything in our power to light the flame of our passion for Christ…and to keep it burning for as long as we have breath?
Encouraging you to share your gifts with those who need them most,
Beverly Lewis